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Labor Unions Says They Are Prepared for More Demonstrations

11 February 2014

Heng Reaksmey

VOA Khmer

Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, at a gathering in from of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, February 10, 2014. He said the remaining 21 workers must be released and salaries increased. “If there is no solution, we will strike again, throughout the country,” he said. (Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer)

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Labor Unions Says They Are Prepared for More Demonstrations

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PHNOM PENH —
A confederation of 16 labor unions says it will hold another mass protest if the court refuses to release 21 detained labor activists and to increase the minimum wage to $160 per month.

The trade unions will be joined by Buddhist monks and other supporters in front of the Royal Palace and other sites, leaders said. Workers have been demanding a wage increase in demonstrations that began weeks ago and have led to violent clashes between protesters and police.

The leaders from 16 unions met Monday to decide what to do after two of 23 workers were released from custody on Friday. And the court on Tuesday will hold an open hearing on bail requests for others. The workers were arrested during violent crackdowns last month that left at least four people dead and dozens more injured.

“It is time for the Cambodian government to consider our demands,” said Ath Thorn, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers’ Democratic Union.

Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, said the remaining 21 workers must be released and salaries increased. “If there is no solution, we will strike again, throughout the country,” he said.